General Practitioner or Gynae: Who Should I See?
February 27, 2025•728 words
Many women in Singapore visit their gynae in Mount Elizabeth for various medical concerns. If you’re someone who values her reproductive health, you probably do this too.
But do you really need a specialist for your issue, or is it something that a general practitioner or family doctor can help you with?
Let’s learn more about when a GP can still be helpful, and when it’s recommended to see your gynae in Mount Elizabeth Novena instead.
How Can a General Practitioner Help?
GPs provide primary care services, which means you can visit them for day-to-day medical concerns. They can handle various matters for you, such as:
These physicians can perform annual wellness exams and routine blood work to spot early warning signs of diseases and other health problems.
Do you have a nasty cold, fever, skin irritation, or maybe even a mild UTI? They can diagnose the cause and prescribe suitable treatments.
General practitioners can also help you manage ongoing conditions like hypertension, asthma, and diabetes.
You can also approach a GP for vaccines such as for HPV, flu, or travel immunisations.
While they don’t specialise in women’s health, primary care doctors may give some basic tips on topics like menstrual care and safe sex.
When Should You Visit a Gynaecologist Instead?
The general practitioner may advise you to see a gynae in Mount Elizabeth if they encounter symptoms that point to reproductive and sexual health issues:
You constantly have irregular periods or excessively heavy bleeding.
Pain during sexual intercourse has been a frequent issue.
You’re suffering from severe pelvic pain, which could indicate problems like endometriosis or sexually transmitted infections.
There’s foul-smelling or strangely-coloured discharge from your vagina.
Your breasts have lumps or feel sore and painful — possible signs of breast cancer.
Since gynaecologists are more knowledgeable on health issues specific to women, they’d have a better idea of what your problem is and how to deal with it. One normally wouldn’t rely on a general practitioner for concerns like bleeding in between periods.
A gynae is also more appropriate for matters such as:
You want to avoid getting pregnant and are interested in taking contraceptives.
You’re struggling to conceive with your partner after several tries. This could be due to hormone-related issues like PCOS.
You need further guidance on pregnancy and postpartum care.
You’re approaching menopausal age soon or experiencing symptoms of menopause.
You have a family history of gynaecological cancers. Being genetically predisposed to cancer often requires a personalised screening schedule.
Both Doctors Are Important to Women
So is it enough to meet one physician for your health concerns? Frankly speaking, no.
The truth is that both healthcare professionals complement each other. They can ensure that all aspects of your health are accounted for when you visit them both.
If you only see your gynae, you might not be able to care for other medical issues as much. But solely relying on a GP could lead to your intimate health getting neglected in the long run.
Of course, if you're unsure if your problem is something a specialist should check, you can always approach your primary care provider first. They'll help determine if it's something they can treat or if you need a recommended gynae in Mount Elizabeth Novena.
Your Entire Well-Being Matters, Not Just Reproductive Health
Always keep this in mind so you don’t get confused:
If it’s a general health issue, you can see a GP about it. But if it’s something related to your intimate health, then you should go to your gynae.
But regardless if you’re seeing a family doctor or a women’s health specialist, it’s always important to see a professional when you have medical issues or simply need guidance. They can all help you get better and live life to the fullest.
About The Author:
Emily Teo is a dedicated marketing professional passionate about enhancing women’s health and wellness. With a talent for crafting impactful strategies, she raises awareness about essential health services, including pregnancy care, minimally invasive surgical solutions, and treatments for common gynaecological concerns. Emily’s focus on connecting with women and their unique health journeys reflects her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of many.